Ransomware Research

WannaCash Ransomware

WannaCash is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on March 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: WannaCash NextGen, WannaCash 2.0.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
WannaCash
First Seen
March 1, 2019
Known Aliases
WannaCash NextGenWannaCash 2.0

How WannaCash Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

WannaCash modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..wannacash..punisher..happy new year

Prefixes added to encrypted files:

encrypted(Файл зашифрован

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, WannaCash displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileкак расшифровать файлы.txt

Ransom message:

notes/как расшифровать файлы.txt

Note locations:

UserFoldersTemp
fileContribution.txt

Ransom message:

notes/Contribution.txt
fileContribution.txt

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with WannaCash ransomware:

  • Ключи_активации_на_365.exe
  • Ключи активации на 365.exe
  • Ключи активации на 365 дней.exe
  • Ключи активации на 365 дней-2010.exe
  • dobro
  • hostsss.exe
  • eset keys [до 06.06.2020].exe
  • egui.exe
  • EGUIS.EXE
  • Ключи для ESET[all versions] на 365 дней.exe
  • ESETNOD.exe
  • egui.exe, eguis_upx.exe
  • Ключи активации на год_.exe

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About This Analysis

This WannaCash ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like WannaCash.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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